Purchasing Manager

We are seking a strategic and detail-oriented Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement activities supporting a large-scale food service operation. This role will manage the sourcing and purchasing of food products, supplies, equipment, and services while ensuring quality standards, cost effectiveness, and uninterrupted supply across multiple locations.

The ideal candidate will bring strong procurement expertise, vendor management experience, and a data-driven approach to purchasing decisions. This individual will partner with cross-functional teams including Operations, Finance, Culinary, Warehouse, and Site Leadership to support operational goals and drive continuous improvement within the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing initiatives, vendor selection processes, and competitive bid events to secure favorable pricing and service agreements.
• Build and maintain productive supplier relationships while monitoring product quality, pricing, delivery performance, service levels, and supply disruptions.
• Oversee purchasing records, approved product catalogs, pricing databases, and ordering systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Monitor procurement compliance requirements, including federal and state food service regulations and program documentation where applicable.
• Evaluate purchasing trends and key performance metrics, including inventory movement, vendor performance, fill rates, and cost fluctuations.
• Develop demand forecasts and purchasing plans to support business needs while minimizing waste and inventory risks.
• Coordinate supplier meetings, product reviews, food tastings, and new item evaluations to support operational and menu initiatives.
• Maintain complete procurement documentation and assist with audits, reporting requirements, and internal controls.
• Research market conditions, pricing trends, and supply chain developments to identify savings opportunities and mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to improve procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and support service excellence.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding sourcing strategies, supplier partnerships, and purchasing best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, logistics, food service management, or a related area preferred; comparable relevant experience may be considered.

• At least five years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles, ideally within K-12 dining, food distribution, healthcare, hospitality, or institutional food service.

• Familiarity with food purchasing requirements, commodity programs, domestic purchasing standards, and product compliance documentation is preferred.

• Advanced Excel capabilities, including reporting, forecasting, data modeling, and dashboard development, are required; experience with purchasing platforms is expected.

• Strong analytical ability with proven skill in negotiation, communication, organization, and managing multiple priorities effectively.

• Ability to collaborate with operations, warehouse, culinary, finance, and site leadership to support consistent product supply and service needs.

• Certifications related to procurement, supply chain, food safety, or advanced Microsoft Excel are considered a plus

Compensation

$100,000.00-$125,000.00 Yearly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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